Myrtle

Vinca Minor

Growth, Simplicity

Myrtle (Vinca Minor), a flowering ground cover, is also known as Creeping Myrtle, Common Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle and Periwinkle flower. This perennial has blue flowers in the spring and summer that are most often blue and can also be purple or white. The color name periwinkle is from this flower color. Myrtle does well in part shade to sun and likes well drained soil. The vines have smooth, evergreen leaves and spread quickly.  The plant grows up to 6 inches in height and the vines can be up to 1.5 feet long.  It is frequently used as a ground cover and on slopes to prevent erosion.  

These plants native to Europe and are deer and rabbit resistant.

 

Two plants are similar, Vinca major, which thrives in warm regions and has larger leaves, and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus ). Madagascar periwinkle has similar flowers, but is also a tropical flower and is grown in full sun.  Flower color can be hot-pink, lavender, lilac, pink, red or white.

Myrtle, grown as a ground cover, shows us how something relatively small can have a big impact. It reminds us to be kind with our words since the impact of something spoken can be received in a deeper way than we may intend.

Myrtle also shows us the strength in spreading our wings and letting ourselves grow.  Once we open the door to something meaningful, we may find many offshoots to the original action, magnifying and spreading beyond what was expected.  

This plant also emphasizes the profound beauty in simplicity and it teaches us to examine the path in front of us and our surroundings.  We may not need as much detail or ornamentation as we think to accomplish a goal or to be content in our homes.   

Similarly, by growing close to the ground, Myrtle teaches us the value of keeping thoughts close to the chest.  Better to focus energy on accomplishing goals than to focus energy on discussing them. Once goals are accomplished, others will notice. 

Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima 

Capricorn, Sagittarius

Joy, Growth

Native to Mexico, the poinsettia flowers from December to January and is frequently used as a decorative Christmas plant. The red "flowers" on the poinsettia plant are modified leaves called bracts, designed to attract insects to the tiny yellow flowers at the center.  In Mexico the poinsettia is a perennial shrub that will grow 10-15 feet tall. The plants are not cold tolerant. Red poinsettias have also been called the Christmas Star, Christmas Flower, Painted Leaf, Lobster Flower, Flame Leaf Flower and Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night.

All of the wisdom of poinsettia points to having the ability to experience joy.  Year end holidays are joyful times, and may be more joyful if we allow ourselves the time to refresh ourselves and acknowledge the joy within us and all around us.

Poinsettias are prominent in the North America during December but may show up as an interest at any time. It brings to mind the lesson of allowing.  As the plant allows it's leaves to become flowers, are you allowing yourself to bloom?  Are you allowing your very "ordinary" self to bloom into your "extraordinary" self?

Poinsettias tend to show up when we are very busy in our lives.  Are you allowing yourself to rest and rejuvenate yourself?  The plant shows us that we should take time daily to refresh ourselves and to take time to meditate and find inner calm and restfulness. 

The Aztecs used the leaves to produce red dye and the sap was used as a medication for fever.
In Mexican folklore, a young girl gave a handful of weeds to the church at Christmas as an offering, and the offering took on color and became the miracle of the poinsettia plant. 

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are symbolic of the biblical Star of Bethlehem. 

Myth: Poinsettia plants are poisonous.
Truth: They have a milky sap that may irritate the skin of some people and animals.